LONDON – Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday offered a brief respite from a turbulent month, suggesting the London club may have steadied themselves after a severe slump. However, their hopes of salvaging the season remain slim.

In the Premier League, Chelsea sit 10 points adrift of the final Champions League qualification spot with just four matches remaining. They are also set to drop to ninth place on Monday if Brentford avoid defeat against Manchester United.

The FA Cup final on May 16 will present another major challenge, with Chelsea set to face a resurgent Manchester City side that recently defeated them 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in league play.

Sunday’s performance, however, showed signs of improvement. Following the departure of coach Liam Rosenior earlier in the week and a run of five league defeats without scoring a goal—their worst scoring drought in 114 years—Chelsea displayed renewed structure and intent.

The return of Brazil forward Joao Pedro from injury added attacking presence, while England playmaker Cole Palmer came off the bench to provide creativity. Overall, the team appeared more focused after a difficult spell.

Interim coach Calum McFarlane said the win was crucial in shifting the team’s momentum.

“I think it was important to break the momentum and the form that we were in,” McFarlane said. “We were confident that we would do that today, and I think that completely changes the feel within the group.”

McFarlane’s decision to start Tosin Adarabioyo in central defense also paid off, giving Chelsea greater aerial strength and experience at the back in a squad built heavily around youth under the club’s U.S.-based ownership.

At 28, Adarabioyo has been nicknamed “Uncle Tosin” by his younger teammates. McFarlane praised his performance, calling it “exceptional,” particularly for his ability to deal with the physical threat posed by Leeds forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The decisive moment came in the 23rd minute when Enzo Fernandez scored the only goal of the match. The Argentina midfielder, Chelsea’s record signing, had recently served a suspension following controversial comments suggesting he wanted to leave the club.

“He’s a winner,” McFarlane said. “He’s got so much talent and so much fight. He’s massive for this group.”

Chelsea now turn their attention to the FA Cup final against Manchester City, where they will aim to end a run of six consecutive domestic cup final defeats—three in the FA Cup and three in the League Cup.

The club may also draw encouragement from history, having previously lifted major trophies such as the FA Cup, Europa League, and Champions League under interim managers including Guus Hiddink, Rafael Benitez, and Roberto Di Matteo. -Writing by William SchombergEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters